Public Sector Results

Get a better understanding of the energy efficiency performance of public bodies in Ireland.

Dublin City University achieved primary energy savings of over 2.8 GWh in 2017 compared to 2016, in addition to gaining ISO 50001 energy management certification and launching a plan to develop a Carbon Neutral Exemplar Campus. New high efficiency boilers were installed in All Hallows Campus delivering 59% more savings than predicted. An upgrade of the existing internal and external lighting in the multi-storey carpark to LEDs, together with occupancy and daylight sensors, have also exceeded predicted savings by 19%.

Key findings

10,248 GWh

combined energy consumption of the 331 public bodies and 2,279 schools that reported

667,000

tonnes of CO2 savings

€191m

energy spend savings for public bodies and schools

Public sector energy efficiency performance report 2018

Public bodies are required to report annual energy efficiency data to us every year. We manage the reporting process on behalf of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE). This is the fifth year we have published an annual report on the energy efficiency performance of public bodies in Ireland. It is set in the context of Ireland’s EU and national commitments and wider climate change goals, whereby a target of 33% energy efficiency improvement is to be achieved by all Irish public bodies by 2020.

Approximately 94% of all public bodies are now using the online national energy monitoring and reporting (M&R) system, in addition to 62% of all schools. The monitoring and reporting system provides an important record of how the public sector performed in 2017. This report comprises an analysis of the data submitted by these organisations on annual energy consumption, energy savings achieved and energy efficiency performance in 2017 against 2020 targets.

Efficiency gains have been achieved through implementation of thousands of diverse projects, ranging from structured energy management, building and facility upgrades, retrofits, changes in transportation, better energy procurement and through behavioural change in organisations.

Sectoral Results

Check out the bespoke website pages we have for each of the below sectors. Each page details the energy consumption, fuel mix, energy end use, energy saving projects, energy savings and the gap to 2020 against the 33% target.

If we want Ireland to become a leader in responding to climate change, it is important that we lead by example and that all of the public sector steps up to the challenge. Going forward, we must require every public body to display its DEC (equivalent to BER) rating. We need to set a new target that is more ambitious than the current 33% by 2020. We need to create a stronger mandate in all our public bodies to step up their focus on climate action.

Minister Richard Bruton

Energy saving projects

Discover and review details of public sector energy saving projects. Find information on projects that have been completed and ones that are in the planning stages. These projects have been reported to us through our public sector energy monitoring & reporting (M&R) system.

For nearly fifteen years, SEAI has provided tools, training and advice to deliver measurable cost reductions and carbon savings in public sector organisations. This includes identifying opportunities, supporting delivery of capital projects, capacity building and best practice sharing. We continue to provide tailored supports, in partnership with ambitious public sector organisations who demonstrate a commitment to strategic energy management. As we now turn towards 2030, we must accelerate activity in the public sector, and seek cost effective ways of achieving even greater results.